The increasingly vital role of electricians in today’s interconnected world was highlighted again last week (October 13) at an awards ceremony hosted by SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland.

The Scottish electrical sector has been transformed in recent years and highly skilled, highly qualified electricians are widely regarded as professionals, with finely-tuned skill sets and weighty responsibilities.

The forward-thinking nature of the industry was reflected in the wide variety of award entrants, ranging from small, locally-established family firms to multinational enterprises employing tens of thousands of people.

Newell McGuiness, SELECT managing director, said: “Each year, it is a much-anticipated pleasure to recognise the dedication, commitment and investment in the future which companies bring to this competition.

“As they do in their day-to-day business dealings, they have gone the extra mile in these awards to demonstrate that the electrical sector in Scotland is in good hands and is continuing to burnish its reputation for quality, skill and excellence.”

Before the formal proceedings, Mr. McGuiness, who is stepping down early next year after 12 years as MD, was presented with a special award honouring his service to the organisation.

Taking the top SELECT award was a firm which was established only a year ago. Named as Electrical Contractor of the Year, Servest Arthur Mackay Ltd was formed when facilities management services provider Servest acquired Edinburgh-based building services contractor Arthur Mackay.

The new company, which excels across a number of sectors, was also declared joint winner of the award for the Best Use of Training.

Mr McGuiness said: “This company has demonstrated that while it is firmly fixed on a growth trajectory, it is also looking after the continuing professional development interests of its thousands of staff.”

Other awards were:

  • Best Small Contractor, won by Glasgow electrical company Interlink Lighting and Electrical.

  • Apprentice of the Year, won by Jordan McBain, from Elgin, who works with Highland company G & A Barnie Building Services.

  • Wholesaler Apprentice of the Year, a new category, won by Kellan Pirie, from Inverurie, who works with Electric Center.

  • Best New Product, won by South Manchester-based Wylex, for its consumer units.

  • Best Delivery of Customer Service, won by Lanarkshire-based Crown House Technologies.

  • Best Visual Promotion, won by Edinburgh-based AKD Systems.

  • Best Electrical Safety Product, won by Glasgow firm Edmiston Brown for its work on the Falkirk canal tunnel.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was made to Jock Simpson, one of the outstanding figures in British industry. He is Executive Chairman of the National Joint Council for the Engineering Construction Industry, a partnership between trade unions and employers, and Chairman of the Scottish Joint Industry Board, a partnership between SELECT and Unite the Union.

Mr Simpson also has extensive experience in the energy industry, including senior roles with major organisations such as British Energy and npower.

Mr McGuiness said: “Jock Simpson has worked tirelessly throughout his career to enhance employee-employer relations. He has taken on heavy responsibilities and has always acted in the best interests of everyone in the industry, from shop floor to boardroom.”